UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Priyamvada Natarajan: Astrophysicist on TIME's 100 List

Apr 26, 2024

1. What is gravitational lensing? Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon where the gravity of a massive object, like a galaxy or a black hole, bends the path of light passing near it. This effect can magnify and distort the light from objects behind it, helping astronomers study very distant and faint celestial bodies. 2. How do black holes form? Black holes traditionally were thought to form f... Read More...

Gukesh Dommaraju: Chess Prodigy and FIDE Winner

Apr 26, 2024

Gukesh Dommaraju is considered the next big star of chess for several reasons: 1. Youngest Winner of FIDE Candidates Tournament: At the age of 17, Gukesh became the youngest ever to win the prestigious FIDE Candidates Tournament in 2024. This tournament is one of the toughest in the chess world, and winning it is a significant achievement. 2. Second Indian Winner: Gukesh is only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Ana... Read More...

Mission ISHAN: India's Unified Airspace Management

Apr 26, 2024

What is Mission ISHAN? Mission ISHAN refers to the Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management system. It is a strategic initiative to unify India’s four regional airspaces into a single managed airspace, controlled from Nagpur. This will help streamline operations across the entire country. How will Mission ISHAN benefit airlines and passengers? Read More...

ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA: EVOLUTION AND ROLE

Apr 26, 2024

1. What is the Election Commission of India (ECI)? The ECI is a constitutional body established on January 25, 1950, tasked with administering election processes in India. It ensures free and fair elections for the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and various other elections mandated by the Constitution. 2. How has the ECI evolved since the first general election? Read More...

GREEN CREDIT PROGRAMME (GCP): Explained

Apr 26, 2024

1. What is the Green Credit Programme? The Green Credit Programme (GCP) is a market-based initiative launched by India’s Environment Ministry in October 2023 as part of Mission Life. It aims to promote sustainability by incentivizing voluntary environmental conservation efforts such as afforestation, water conservation, air pollution control, waste management, and mangrove conservation. Participants, including individuals, organizations, and companies, can earn &lsquo... Read More...

INDIA-MAURITIUS: AGALÉGA ISLAND

Apr 26, 2024

What is Agaléga Island's significance in the India-Mauritius relationship? Agaléga Island, a remote part of Mauritius, has gained strategic importance due to its location in the Indian Ocean. The island serves as a focal point for India-Mauritius collaboration, aiming to enhance maritime capabilities and infrastructural development. This partnership underscores the strong ties and mutual strategic interests between India and Mauritius. Read More...

CLOUD ENGINEERING and CLIMATE CHANGE

Apr 26, 2024

What is cloud engineering? Cloud engineering, also known as cloud brightening, is a form of climate intervention that aims to temporarily reduce Earth’s temperature. It involves injecting tiny particles (aerosols) into the atmosphere, which serve as additional cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). These particles increase the density and brightness of clouds, enhancing their ability to reflect sunlight back into space and thereby cooling the planet. Read More...

UNEP FOOD WASTE INDEX REPORT 2024

Apr 26, 2024

What is the UNEP Food Waste Index Report? The UNEP Food Waste Index Report is an assessment that tracks global progress in reducing food waste. It aims to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which targets halving per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer levels by 2030. The report, first published in 2021, compiles data to evaluate the scale of food waste and the effectiveness of interventions across different countries. ... Read More...

FOREVER CHEMICALS' (PFAS)

Apr 26, 2024

What are 'forever chemicals'? 'Forever chemicals' is a nickname for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a group of man-made chemicals. These chemicals are characterized by their strong chemical bonds and resistance to degradation, making them highly persistent in the environment and in living organisms. Why are PFAS a concern? PFAS are concerning due to th... Read More...

Ecosystem Engineers: How Species Shape Their Habitats

Apr 26, 2024

The term "ecosystem engineer" refers to species that create, modify, maintain, or destroy habitats, significantly influencing the conditions and resources available in their ecosystem. Here are a few examples of organisms that are commonly recognized as ecosystem engineers: Beavers (Castor canadensis): Beavers are perhaps the most famous ecosystem engineers due to their ability to dramatically alter landscapes. By building dams, they create wetlands—rich, biodiverse habitats that can support a ... Read More...

Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO)

Apr 26, 2024

The Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) is a pivotal regional group comprising eight Amazon Basin countries (Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela) aimed at promoting sustainable development and conservation of the Amazon Rainforest. ACTO was established following the signing of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT) on July 3, 1978. This organization coordinates the efforts of member countries to ensure that development in the region integrates their economic, social, and environmental priorities effectively. Read More...

"Invasive Alien Species and their Control"

Apr 25, 2024

10TH PLENARY OF THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL SCIENCE-POLICY PLATFORM ON BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES (IPBES) What is the focus of the 10th plenary of IPBES? The 10th plenary of IPBES, held in Bonn, Germany, focuses on approving the scientific assessment report on "Invasive Alien Species and their Control." This report is crucial as invasive alien species are significant drivers of biodivers... Read More...

UN Recognizes Children's Rights to a Clean Environment

Apr 25, 2024

What is General Comment No. 26? General Comment No. 26 is a guidance document adopted by the UN on August 28, 2023. It serves as a legal framework to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental degradation and climate change on children's rights, ensuring a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment for both the present and future generations. What rights are included in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child rela... Read More...

Hydrogen Mission: India's Path to Decarbonization & Net-Zero

Apr 25, 2024

Introduction On the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Hydrogen Mission, aiming to position India as a leader in green hydrogen production and export. The Mission was officially approved on January 4, 2022, by the Union Cabinet. This initiative is seen as a critical step toward making India self-reliant in energy, significantly reducing its dependence on energy imports which currently exceed $160 billion annually. ... Read More...

Electricity Plan 2022-32: Key Highlights

Apr 25, 2024

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has issued the National Electricity Plan (NEP) for the years 2022 to 2032, emphasizing a transition towards renewable energy and addressing future electricity demands. Here are the key aspects of this plan: 1. Increase in Non-Fossil Fuel Capacity: ● The share of non-fossil based capacity is projected to rise from the current approximately 43% to around 57% by 2026-27 and to approximately 68% by the end of 2031-32. Read More...